| Name | Age | Sex | Injuries | Injured areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaska, Len | 37 | Not recorded | Not recorded | Not recorded |
On May 22, 1983, a group of four cavers were exploring a newly-discovered cave in Nevada. Previous trips had reached an estimated depth of 500 feet including three roped drops. The group reached the end-point of previous exploration and continued. They soon reached a 20 foot pit with obvious continuation of the passage they were pursuing on the other side. Since the exposure was only 20 feet, and handholds appeared to be numerous and solid, Len Gaska (37) began traversing across. Midway in the climb, the ledge he was following collapsed. Gaska hung to his holds for a few seconds, then fell. The group was stunned and for a few seconds no one spoke. Then Gaska called out that he was alive and would check for injuries. He determined that he had a broken tibia of the left leg, with minor bruises and abrasions elsewhere, and minimal pain. After discussion it was decided that self-rescue was possible. Two went out to get splinting material and additional ropes, the other remaining with Gaska. The leg was splinted, the victim's seat harness put on, and he was lifted from the pit using a pulley Z-system (mechanical advantage). The leg was padded and the remainder of the evacuation carried out. Gaska crawled when necessary, hobbled along walking passage with the aid of others, and was raised up the pits using a counter-balance method. A belay was used at all drops. From the entrance a make-shift crutch allowed him to reach the vehicle, and thus a hospital. The injury was confirmed and a full leg cast applied.
Gaska points out that the accident could have been prevented with a belay using bolts for protection along the traverse. This was not done because it appeared to be easy and safe.
Len Gaska (37) fell while traversing a pit due to a ledge collapse and broke his tibia, highlighting the need for belay even in seemingly easy and safe sections.